Want to start on a high note? Support your team’s mental health

With a packed social calendar and a full inbox, it’s no surprise stress levels start to soar. It’s tempting to just push through the new year, but looking after your people now helps them start strong and return to work with the energy your organisation needs to thrive.  

Help manage workloads

Overloading the new year only leads to exhaustion and mistakes. Before setting and enforcing deadlines, ask yourself this question: does it really need to be done all at once?

Prioritise what’s essential and postpone non-urgent projects until later. Build breathing space into your calendar by leaving realistic gaps between deadlines. And avoid last-minute scrambles by clearly communicating cut-off dates for new work.

Acknowledge your team’s hard work

Recognition boosts morale, but it doesn’t have to be costly. A simple 'thank you' goes a long way, whether it’s in a team meeting, a handwritten note, or a thoughtful gesture like finishing early on a Friday. The goal is to make people feel seen and appreciated.

Normalise asking for help

Create a culture where it’s okay to admit when things feel overwhelming. You can do this by…

- Checking in regularly, both formally and casually.

- Leading by example. If you’re telling your team to take a break, make sure you do the same.

- Promoting available support. A poster in the kitchen or an organisation-wide email about wellbeing services can make a big difference.

And if you can see that someone is struggling, point them toward your Employee Assistance Programme or other support options.

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